A bomb disposal team safely detonated a suspected Second World War mortar shell on New Brighton beach earlier today following an incident that caused significant disruption in Wallasey.
The device was handed in by a member of the public at Wallasey Police Station on Monday afternoon, triggering an emergency response across the area.
Merseyside Police confirmed the controlled explosion took place this morning, bringing the operation to a successful conclusion.
The unexploded ordnance had prompted authorities to establish an extensive security perimeter and implement road closures that remained in place for several hours while specialists assessed the potential threat.
The item, thought to be wartime ordnance, was left on the street outside the police station, which had been evacuated as a precaution.
Officers cordoned off a stretch of Manor Road running between Withens Lane and Wimbledon Street, instructing local residents to remain inside their properties while the situation was investigated.
Despite the cordon outside, Wallasey Police Station itself stayed open throughout the incident and was not evacuated.
With the controlled detonation now complete, all road closures and security cordons have been removed from the area.
Merseyside Police issued a statement following the operation: “We would like to thank the public for their patience while the matter was dealt with.”
The unexploded bomb was handed into the police station at around 2.40pm yesterday.
Neighbours reported being left “unsettled” by the incident.
“I live right next to the police station and if anything happens my house would be the first to go up,” one local resident told The Liverpool Echo.
Another local said: “This seems like it’s happening all the time now. It just makes you wonder how many are actually out there.
“It is concerning, especially being so close to a school.
“It’s a bit unsettling to be honest. I’m surprised no one has been evacuated if there’s an unexploded bomb right next door.”
A nearby play centre, Monkey House, also pulled down its shutters for the day following the incident.
Manor Road was reopened nearly six hours after police were initially handed the suspected bomb.
It was particularly challenging for bus drivers to enter area, prompting local operator Arriva North West to issue an urgent update.
In a statement released yesterday, the company said: “Due to a police incident on Manor Road, Service 423 diverted along Seabank Road, Steel Avenue, Penkett Road and Rake Lane before rejoining its route at Liscard. This is in both directions.”